Do you or your child play contact sports? Are you looking for a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums? Dr. Chavala Harris provides custom sports mouthguards as a general dental solution for her patients in her Durham, NC dental office.
Mouthguards are recommended when playing contact sports like hockey, lacrosse, football, and soccer. Sports mouthguards custom-tailored to the smile are better at protecting the teeth from damage or loss.
Professional Sports Mouthguards at Our Dental Office
Our custom sports mouthguards:
- Fit in the mouth securely
- Prevent tooth injury or loss
- Minimize the risk of jaw injury or trauma
- Protect dental work from damage
- Reduce stress and impact on teeth
Store-bought sports mouthguards do not provide a custom fit. Because of this, they may fall out or make speaking difficult on the field or court. Wearing a sports mouthguard that fits properly can also help reduce the risk of jaw and tooth injuries.
Custom professional mouthguards help prevent the need for cosmetic or restorative treatments down the road.
Receive a Custom Sports Mouthguard
Patients can receive their custom sports mouthguard in just a few visits to our Durham, North Carolina office. Dr. Harris or a team member will take dental impressions, which a local lab uses to fabricate the mouthguard. Once complete, we will check the size and fit of the mouthguard to ensure it feels comfortable.
Sports mouthguards should be cleaned with soap and water to keep them fresh. We do not recommend using hot water, which can warp the plastic. Store your mouthguard in its case after washing it so it can dry. If the fit of your mouthguard changes, visit our office so we can create a new one for you. Patients typically need a new mouthguard every season.
Store-Bought Vs. Custom Mouthguards
While store-bought mouthguards are inexpensive and easily accessible, custom mouthguards have many benefits compared to over-the-counter ones. For example, companies need to make store-bought mouthguards so that they fit as many people as possible. Custom mouthguards are designed specifically for your smile. This makes them stay in your mouth better, and you don’t have to clench your teeth to keep them in.
When your custom mouthguard fits properly, it’s easy to speak and take quick water breaks with it in. Communicating with your team is essential to be successful in sports, and you can’t do that with a store-bought mouthguard. You can take quick water breaks without having to remove your mouthguard and risk dropping it.
If you have to clench your teeth to keep your mouthguard in, it can cause problems with TMJ. Clenching your teeth causes tension in the muscles that allow the jaw joint to track smoothly. The more you do it, the worse the problem gets. You may experience your jaw popping and clicking, pain throughout the head and neck, and issues with jaw joint functionality.
Caring for Your Custom Mouthguard
It’s important to care for your custom mouthguard properly to ensure that it protects your smile the way it should. To start, rinse your mouthguard out with lukewarm water every time you take it out. Don’t use hot water, as it can warp the material. This removes saliva and debris, reducing buildup.
At least once a day, clean your mouthguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap. Scrub the interior and exterior and rinse it off thoroughly. You want to discourage bacteria from building up on the guard. At least once a week, soak your mouthguard in a mouthguard cleaning solution or denture soak. It cleans the guard deeper and eliminates bacteria that the daily cleanings may miss.
Store your mouthguard properly when it’s not in use. Use a ventilated case that has small holes in it to get proper airflow. Moisture buildup provides a haven for bacterial growth. This can cause your mouthguard to smell and can even cause harmful bacteria to make you sick. Keep the case and guard away from heat, as that warps the guard and can damage either the guard or the case.
Keep an eye on your guard and look for any signs of wear and tear. You know your guard best and how it usually looks and fits. If you notice anything out of place, bring it to our office. If your guard is damaged or worn out, it won’t protect your smile the way it should.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards are the best way to protect your smile. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How long do custom-made mouthguards last?
Your custom mouthguard has the potential to last between three and five years with good oral care and maintenance. However, due to general wear and tear from use, you should replace it once a year as a rule of thumb.
Can you choke on a night guard?
A night guard is too big to pose a genuine choking risk. Choking is highly unlikely because even if the night guard falls out of the mouth while sleeping, it is too big to cause choking.
How do I know if my night guard fits properly?
Your dental guard should easily snap into place and fit snugly. You shouldn’t have to rely on the teeth on your other jaw to keep it in place while you sleep.
Can my mouthguard damage my teeth?
If worn correctly, a mouthguard can prevent gum injury. However, a mouthguard that is dirty, damaged, or doesn’t fit properly can harm your gums.
Is a top or bottom night guard better to prevent grinding?
If you grind your teeth at night, a mouth guard is typically fitted for your bottom teeth. A dentist can create a custom night guard for your upper teeth if you cannot wear one on your lower teeth.
Can I soak my night guard in mouthwash?
If you rinse your mouthguard with mouthwash, it may harm it. You may clean your mouthguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, but you should avoid using mouthwash at all times.
Call Our Dental Office Today
Do you need a new sports mouthguard? Schedule a dental consultation with our dental team online or call our office at 919-899-4467. Let our team know if you have any questions or concerns and they will be glad to help you.